I'm 53, soon to be retired from a 20-year "accidental" career in academic staff work, planning to pull up stakes from NC and move back home to New England in the next few months. I make silver jewelry on the side and hope to pursue a second life as an artisan in future. Besides jewelry, I'm also fascinated by objects relating to tea--this forum has been a tremendous inspiration!
Growing up in Boston meant black tea, starting with Red Rose in Mom's kitchen and graduating to lapsang souchong (no milk or sugar) when I got to college. I branched out into greens after travelling to China and Japan. Black tea and the English service are my first loves, but the Asian teas are so great and the tea-toys are so varied and beautiful. Impossible to choose--my tastes change seasonally (black/English in winter, green/Asian in summer).
I'm looking forward to learning about Puers and Oolongs. It's a huge subject and endlessly fascinating! And there's so many toys! I've recently acquired 4 yixing teapots, only to discover that they're probably all too big. Why too big, when I can drink a pint of tea without blinking? Very mysterious--obviously requires more research--and more tea--and more toys...
